FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A MOD³ ANYWAY?

We’re glad you asked! A MOD³ (pronounced ‘Mod Cube’) is a home that is made of shipping containers. It can be used as a primary residence, mountain cabin, accessory dwelling unit (ADU), backyard retreat, art studio, workshop, tiny house... the opportunities are endless!

WHY SHIPPING CONTAINERS?

The rigid construction of shipping containers makes them the perfect building blocks. They are built out of COR-TEN steel and in their first life, were designed to protect their cargo and withstand the elements during their long sea voyages. These containers can be stacked several layers high and are even able to stay afloat for up to a week if they fall off of their vessel during transport. Now, their new purpose is to protect their new precious cargo – you!

From an environmental standpoint, these containers are stacking up in shipyards all over the US. Instead of having to melt them down for disposal purposes, it has been realized that they can be re-used to provide a great starting point for building homes and other structures. With floors, walls, and roofs already present, this reduces the cost of building materials as well as the time it takes to build a home in comparison to traditional stick-built homes. In addition, the home build process can begin simultaneously to that of the foundation, so construction time is even further reduced from several months to just a few weeks!

Recent modern architecture is focused on clean, straight lines. Shipping containers can be arranged in many different configurations and the result is a rich, luxurious work of art that is highly sought after in today's architectural world. Re-using shipping containers as the primary building block allows us to offer you an assortment of wholly modern, pre-designed homes and customize-able design plans.

WHERE CAN I PUT A MOD³?

Our container homes can be used as a primary single-family residences, mountain cabin, backyard retreats, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) such as a mother-in-law suite or granny flat for additional rental income, among many other usages. Zoning and permitting varies from city to city, but most have rules that permit a MOD³ to be used as a primary or secondary residence on your land just like a traditional built home would be.

DO I NEED TO HAVE MY OWN SITE?

Short answer, yes. Our company doesn’t supply land or lots, but we can help your search by connecting you with professionals in your area that can assist you with this process. Our homes are also ideal to be used as secondary dwellings either in your backyard, a mountain cabin, or a desert getaway.

WILL MY CITY APPROVE A PERMIT FOR A MOD³?

Our homes are built to meet the local building code, which is essential to receiving permit approval from your city. Permitting and zoning will vary from city to city, but most are very open to the idea of container homes – many are even excited to see them pop up in their neighborhoods! We are here to help with the zoning and permitting process to ensure that your MOD³ build is a success.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET A BUILDING PERMIT?

The costs of building permits vary from city to city. However, this information is usually available on your local city's website.

WILL MY BANK FINANCE A MOD³?

Our homes are built by licensed professionals to be compliant with the local building code and are permitted by cities as standard permanent homes. We use all the same materials that traditional homes use in their construction process such as drywall, quartz, wood, and spray foam insulation. The main difference between a MOD³ home and traditional homes is that they are built with shipping containers.

CAN MY MOD³ BE CUSTOMIZED?

Our pre-designed floorplans have been engineered and reviewed by licensed professionals, so the layout and exterior structure is not customizable. However, some additional options include types of roofs, skylights, rooftop decks. You can also change the color of materials for interior items such as cabinets, countertops, floors, and walls.

HOW WILL MY MOD³ BE INSULATED?

Our homes are insulated with closed cell spray foam that exceed building code requirements. The appropriate ratings of this spray foam insulation is used in the walls and ceiling of your MOD³ and can also be added beneath the floor for additional tempurature regulation or if an open air foundation is selected.

I’VE PLACED MY DEPOSIT, HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN ENJOY MY MOD³?

Once your design consultation is complete, the next step is to receive building permits from your city. Once permits are approved, we can begin building your MOD³ in our facility and have it ready for delivery in 8-12 weeks.

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF MY MOD³?

Our pricing includes the building plans to be submitted for permit and the construction of your MOD³ with all the fixtures, major appliances, and mechanical systems.

Costs to consider, which vary by location are building permits, delivery of utility services, and foundation. These items can be managed and coordinated through a local general contractor of your choosing. We work closely with your contractor to guarantee that your property is prepped and ready for your MOD³.

The delivery and final setup of your MOD³ is also not included in the initial price as this varies by location and will be determined during your design consultation.

HOW WILL MY MOD³ BE DELIVERED?

We can deliver and place your home just about anywhere. Your MOD³ will be shipped to your property by truck and once onsite, a crane will place your home onto your prepared foundation.

WHAT TYPE OF FOUNDATION CAN I USE FOR MY MOD³?

Depending on where you are putting your new home, you have a few options. In urban areas, concrete perimeter foundation may be the best option as it provides better insulation as well as ample crawlspace under the containers for connecting utilities. In more rural areas where soil types vary, concrete piers or pile foundations can be used. These options will be reviewed during your design consultation to determine the best fit for your property.

HOW ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY; WHAT MAKES A MOD³ ECO-FRIENDLY?

Firstly, by reusing these containers that are otherwise just stacking up in shipyards all over the country, we’re ‘upcycling’ these materials and giving them a new purpose.

Next, during the design consultation, we review your property to determine the best layout for solar, natural lighting, and passive heating/cooling for your MOD³. In addition, the use of Low-E windows and closed cell spray foam insulation further assist in regulating the temperature to minimize use of active heating/cooling.

When active heating/cooling is needed, each MOD³ is equipped with energy efficient mini-split heating/cooling systems. Your home is also furnished with LED lighting, energy efficient appliances, low-flow water fixtures, and technology that allows you to control and monitor your home, wherever you are.

Lastly, all of our MOD³ homes are Solar Photovoltaic Ready, so once you’re ready, you can install a solar PV system and accelerate your journey toward Net Zero!